Rebels end three-game losing streak in win over Hawaii

The Rebels ended their three-game losing streak by winning 41-21 over Hawaii.

A balanced ground-air game helped the Rebels in their efforts tonight, with 258 yards passing and 289 yards rushing overall.

The UNLV ground game is becoming a multi-headed beast. Keith Whitely and Lexington Thomas both rushed for over 100 yards, each also scoring a touchdown. Xzavier Campbell also has a rushing touchdown.

Black Decker and Devonte Boyd showed why they are a great combination. Boyd caught for 120 yards receiving and has a touchdown. Decker’s other touchdown went to Aaron Criswell.

UNLV owned Hawaii on all sides of the ball. The time-of-possession for UNLV was 36:03 versus 23:57 for the Rainbow Warriors. This helped keep the Rebels defense fresh late into the game and make the necessary stops against Hawaii.

Hawaii did show signs of life in the game, only to be thwarted by UNLV. In the third quarter, the Rainbow Warriors, who were behind the entire game, pulled within three points (14-17) on UNLV after a touchdown by Melvin Davis. This was immediately answered by UNLV on the next possession by a pass by Decker to Boyd, who went 75 yards for the score.

In the fourth quarter, Hawaii got within six points (21-27) after another touchdown by Davis, but UNLV’s gap increased again on their next series when the Rebels marched down the field, ate 4:37 off of the clock and scored on another Thomas touchdown.

Hawaii has struggled all year and is currently winless in Mountain West Conference play. Earlier this week, the Rainbow Warriors fired their then-head coach Norm Chow. Offensive coach Chris Naeole has taken over for the remainder of the season as interim coach.

Next up for the Rebels is a trip to Colorado State on Nov. 14. Then the Rebels return home to Sam Boyd Stadium to take on the San Diego State Aztecs on Nov. 21.